New EMBO Members 2008

EMBO honours 59 leading life scientists

Heidelberg, 15 October 2008 – Fifty-nine leading life scientists from Europe and around the world were today recognised by the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) for their proven excellence in research. Fifty-one of the researchers, distinguished as EMBO Members, are from Europe and neighbouring countries while eight equally respected scientists come from other parts of the world and join as Associate Members, bringing the current membership total to 1360.

Membership is a life-long honour with new members nominated and elected annually by existing members. EMBO Members represent a high-profile cross section of researchers from all fields of molecular life sciences ranging from developmental biology, genomics, molecular medicine, neuroscience and plant biology to systems biology. Forty-eight scientists from the EMBO membership have received the Nobel Prize, many others are recipients of prestigious international awards.

"We welcome this illustrious group of researchers to EMBO membership. Their individual contributions have significantly advanced the molecular life sciences," said Hermann Bujard, EMBO Executive Director. "As EMBO Members, they will participate in the organisation's numerous activities that foster talented scientists to contribute knowledge to address the challenges of a changing world."

The newly elected EMBO Members are active researchers, based in 13 European countries. Associate Members have research groups in Australia, Singapore and the US. This year, nine women scientists are recognised for their significant contributions to life science research. A list of all newly elected EMBO Members and Associate Members accompanies this announcement.

EMBO will welcome this year's newly elected members and associate members at The EMBO Meeting to be held in Amsterdam from 29 August to 1 September 2009.